AHF Calls for Ratification of AMA Treaty to Boost Local Medicine Access

AHF called on African nations to ratify the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty to improve access to affordable medicines and enhance local manufacturing capabilities. This appeal was made by AHF's Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, during AMA's inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 25 to October 30.

Currently, over 20 African Union member states have yet to ratify the treaty, despite Africa's pharmaceutical market being valued at 30 billion U.S. dollars, with 70 to 95 percent of medicines consumed being imported. Presentations during AMA Week revealed a pharmaceutical trade deficit of approximately 12.5 billion dollars in 2020.

AHF emphasized that fragmented regulatory systems hinder local manufacturers' ability to scale production. The organization noted that 33 AU member states had ratified the AMA Treaty by October 2026.

AHF's Executive Vice President, Penninah Iutung, stated that achieving health sovereignty requires reducing dependence on imported medicines. Discussions also pointed out practical barriers faced by manufacturers, including unpredictable regulatory timelines and differing requirements across countries.